GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Poutine Week, presented by the Michigan Street Corridor Improvement Authority, is back with 10 local restaurants and counting, dishing out creative takes on Canada’s main comfort food.
The fifth annual event welcomes foodies to participate by visiting participating Michigan Street restaurants serving poutine creations, collecting stamps for a free T-shirt and riding complimentary trolleys.
The event runs through Oct. 4.
“Poutine Week started as a fun way to bring the neighborhood together,” said Jeffery King, executive board member of the Michigan Street Corridor Improvement Authority. “Today, it’s become an event people look forward to all year.”
This year, community members can take advantage of the Poutine Week Trolley, running up and down Michigan Street on Friday, Oct. 3-4, from 5 to 10 p.m.
Diners can collect stamps on their Poutine Passport by visiting participating restaurants; those who try dishes and collect four or more stamps will earn a free Poutine Week t-shirt.
Originating in Quebec, the original poutine dish is a savory combination of fries, melted cheese curds and rich gravy.
But in the Grand Rapids area, chefs will be dishing out their own fry-centered interpretations, each bringing a local flavor to this well-loved classic.
“Our Michigan Street restaurants are lively, and community members are coming out to explore the incredible, creative takes on poutine,” added King. “It’s amazing to see how these local businesses continue to bring the community closer through the shared love of food.”
Passports can be picked up at any participating location. After filling out your passport and submitting a vote, pick up your t-shirt at 7 Monks Taproom.
The full list of participating Michigan Street restaurants and their menus include the following:
7 Monks Taproom, 740 Michigan St. NE
Poutine Pasty ($14.50)
Tender, slow-roasted pulled pork tucked into a golden puff pastry with melty Wisconsin cheddar cheese curds, crispy seasoned potatoes, and sweet diced onion. Served alongside a rich, scratch-made pork gravy.
Kaffeine Place, 637 Michigan St. NE
Korean BBQ Poutine ($19.50)
Crispy pork rib dipped with savory garlic ginger sauce on top of tater tots, gouda and cheddar cheese sauce. Topped with crushed Korean barbecue jerky.
Vander Mill, 505 Ball Ave. NE
Orchard Pig ($12)
Crispy house fries, smoked pulled pork, White cheddar cheese curds, apple-sage gravy, julienne apples and chopped scallions.
Birch Lodge, 737 Michigan St. NE
Three Little Pigs Poutine ($12.99)
Sausage and chorizo gravy over fries with an over-medium egg, a creamy fromaggio blend, bacon crumbles, scallions, and Sriracha drizzle.
Logan’s Alley, 916 Michigan St. SE
Pot Roast Poutine ($16)
Beef gravy, pearl onions, white cheddar cheese curds, thick-cut fries, and topped with a hunk of beef roast.
The Friesian Gastro Pub, 720 Michigan St. NE
Beef Bourguignon (Gluten-free $18)
Braised beef bourguignon with white cheddar cheese curds, herbed beef gravy, lemon Crema, & a crunchy parsley-lemon Gremolata on house-cut fries.
Vegan and gluten-free option: Samosa Chaat Poutine ($18)
Chickpea chutney, English green peas, tamarind and date Sauce, cilantro & mint chimichurri, vegan Crema, pomegranate seeds, pickled red onion, and fresh cilantro on house-cut fries.
Bob’s Sports Bar, 725 Michigan St. NE
Tater Tot Garlic & Herb ($11.99)
Crispy tater tots covered in homemade gravy, topped with garlic and herb cheese and smothered in bacon, cheddar cheese, and finished with green onion on top.
Grand Coney, 809 Michigan St. NE
A Pulled Hog Mess ($14.99)
Potato medley, Ancho pulled pork, brown gravy, cheese curds, topped with a fried egg and green onions.
Maggie’s Kitchen, 636 Bridge St. NW
Beer City Poutine ($22)
Crispy Hand-cut French Fries, topped with 4oz Beef Medallion, Craft Beer Gravy, Wisconsin cheese curds, and a scallion garnish.
Elbow Room Bar & Grill, 501 Fuller Ave. NE
Pulled Pork Poutine ($15)
Savory pulled pork with barbecue gravy on top of crispy waffle fries. It’s topped with a generous portion of white cheddar cheese curds and garnished with green onions.
Taco Borracho, 755 Michigan St. NE
Corned Beef Poutine ($14)
Crispy tater tots topped with corned beef, queso, Pico De Gallo, guacamole, and Crema.
Glass House, 710 Michigan St. NE
Glass House Givings ($15)
Savory turkey, stuffing gravy, covering sweet potato fries, cheese curds, and cranberry drizzle.
American Legion Northeastern Post #459, 658 Michigan St. NE
BBQ Porktine ($10)
Half-pound of fries with a slow-cooked pulled pork, barbecue gravy and cheddar.
The Toasted Pickle, 820 Michigan St. NE
Triple Pickle Poutine ($9.95)
Beer-battered fries tossed with cheese curds and fried chicken, drizzled with beer cheese, caramelized onion gravy and house-made pickle ranch. Topped with a fried pickle spear, diced dill pickles and hickory bacon.
Winners will be announced on Oct. 6.
Voting is limited to one vote per email address, and duplicate votes will be removed from the final tally.
For more information and to cast a vote for the best poutine on Michigan Street, visit the Poutine Week website.